Pathankot attack: Martyr's family and friends recall days with Lt Col Niranjan (Pics)

Bengaluru, Jan 4: Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan, who was a brave soldier used to play on the BEL ground in Bengaluru, where he had been staying with his family from a long time.

35-year-old Lt Col, who sacrificed his life while fighting against terrorists at Pathankot Air Base on Sunday, Jan 3, was remembered fondly by all his family members and friends, who had united to pay last rites to the slain soldier.

Rajeev, Niranjan's cousin while saluting his brother's martyrdom exclusively told OneIndia that he (Niranjan) was a brave boy and was always dedicated towards serving the nation, from beginning. He forcibly joined the National Security Guard (NSG) to serve his motherland. [Photos Of Terror Attack At Pathankot Air Force Station]

He also recalled his days with Niranjan and said "more than a defence personnel, Niranjan was a good-hearted person. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2003."

"He was a very kind and polite member in his family and very good friend of ours, all of us will miss him and will always remember his sacrifice. He was about to leave for the US for his further training but destiny had its own plans for him."

"His body will reach his native state Kerala by 6 pm today and on Tuesday, Jan 5, at around 9 am, his body will be kept at his primary school in Palakkad district."

While appreciating government's help, he concluded while saying that "the government and the IAF are extending all possible help to the brave commando's family."

Alice, one of his neighbour while recalling days spent with Niranjan told OneIndia, "I know Niranjan since he was 5-year-old and my children and his brother and sister are close friends and he was very much dedicated towards the nation and got himself enrolled with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at a very young age.

While revealing about his sporty nature, she said that they always used to play 'hide and seek' game. Niranjan was the one who always emerged as winner."

"It was a great loss not only for his family membersbut for the entire nation, he will always be remembered for his sacrifice" she concluded.

Last tributes to Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan

Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan, who was a brave soldier used to play on the BEL ground in Bengaluru, where he had been staying with his family from a long time.

Remembering Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan

35-year-old Lt Col, who sacrificed his life while fighting against terrorists at Pathankot Air Base on Sunday, Jan 3, was remembered fondly by all his family members and friends, who had united to pay last rites to the slain soldier.

Remembering Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan

Family members, neighbours and NSG colleagues mourn the demise of young Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan, at BEL ground in Bengaluru, on Monday, Jan 4.

Remembering Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan

Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan's shoes that he was wearing while fighting terrorists at Pathankot in Punjab.

In Bengaluru

School students gather to pay tributes to the slain NSG Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan.

Remembering Lieutenant Colonel E K Niranjan

Around 5,000 people had thronged to BEL ground to pay tribute to the brave son of India.

Retired Lt. Sampat Kumar also paid his tributes to the brave son of India and said, "I and my wife have come here to pay homage to martyr Lt Niranjan, who died in the unfortunate incident and we pay deep condolences to him and our symapathies are with the bereaved family including his wife, parents and little daughter."

"On the other hand, it's a great sacrifice which every soldier makes for the nation and every citizen of the country should be proud of the defence forces, who selflessly day-and-night protect and serve their nation", he further said.

"At this stage, we all are united and feel proud of being Indians. That's how we can pay homage to the departed soul", he concluded.